JSON ↔ YAML Converter
Convert JSON to YAML and YAML to JSON with auto-detection, download, and formatting controls.
Advanced — 2-space YAML · 2-space JSON · 140-char lines · Default quotes · Expand refs
What is JSON ↔ YAML Converter?
JSON ↔ YAML Converter transforms JSON to YAML and YAML to JSON with one click. YAML is the preferred format for configuration files—Docker Compose, Kubernetes manifests, GitHub Actions, and CI/CD pipelines all use it. JSON is the standard for APIs and programmatic data. Converting between them lets you work with configs in your preferred format, validate YAML by viewing JSON, or prepare API responses for config files.
Real-world use cases include converting Docker Compose or Kubernetes YAML to JSON for programmatic editing, turning API responses into YAML configs, validating complex YAML by inspecting the JSON structure, and switching between 2-space and 4-space indentation to match project style. The tool handles nested structures, arrays, and most YAML features. All conversion runs in your browser—no upload, no server, complete privacy for sensitive configs.
How to Use JSON ↔ YAML Converter
- Switch to JSON → YAML or YAML → JSON. Paste your data—the tool auto-detects format.
- Click Convert to transform. The output shows the converted structure.
- Open Advanced to set YAML indentation (2 or 4 spaces) and JSON indentation.
- Adjust line width (80, 120, 140 chars, or unlimited) and quote style (default, single, double).
- Enable Sort keys for consistent key order. Expand anchors/aliases flattens YAML references.
- Click Save to download as
.ymlor.json. Use Copy to paste elsewhere.
Tips & Best Practices
Use 2-space indentation for Kubernetes and most modern configs; 4-space for some legacy systems. Enable Expand anchors/aliases when converting YAML with & and * references—they'll be flattened in JSON. Sort keys produces deterministic output for diffs. Press Ctrl+Enter to convert and Ctrl+Shift+C to copy. For XML or CSV, use our XML JSON Converter or CSV JSON Converter. Sensitive configs stay in your browser—nothing is uploaded.
When to Use This Tool
Use JSON ↔ YAML when editing Docker Compose, Kubernetes manifests, GitHub Actions, or any YAML config. Convert API responses to YAML for config generation, or YAML to JSON for validation and scripting. Pair with XML JSON Converter for XML data, or CSV JSON Converter for tabular data. The JSON formatter helps validate JSON. All conversion runs client-side—your configs and secrets stay private.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert Docker Compose or Kubernetes YAML to JSON?
Yes. Paste YAML (e.g. docker-compose.yml or k8s manifests) and click YAML → JSON. The tool preserves structure. Use JSON → YAML to convert API responses to config format.
Can I convert YAML back to JSON?
Yes. Paste YAML in the input and click YAML → JSON. The tool outputs the equivalent JSON structure.
Does it preserve comments?
No. YAML comments are not preserved in JSON conversion. JSON has no comment syntax, so comments are dropped when converting YAML to JSON.
What YAML features are supported?
The converter supports scalars, sequences, mappings, multi-line strings, and anchors. Complex anchors/aliases may be expanded in JSON.
What indentation options are available?
You can choose 2 or 4 spaces for both YAML and JSON output. This helps match your project's style (e.g. 2 spaces for K8s, 4 for some configs).
Does it handle YAML anchors and aliases?
The converter uses js-yaml which supports most YAML features. Complex anchors/aliases may be flattened in JSON. For simple configs, conversion is lossless.
Can I convert XML or CSV instead?
For XML ↔ JSON, use our XML JSON Converter. For CSV ↔ JSON, use our CSV JSON Converter. All data conversion tools run in your browser.
Is the conversion safe for sensitive configs?
Yes. All processing happens in your browser — no data is uploaded. Your configs, secrets, and credentials never leave your device.